"Nickolas received numerous cuts to his hands and it is believed his actions saved Destiny's life" - Lt. Sheila Lorance MCSO
(SALEM, Ore.) - Deputies say a Salem man saved a woman's life over the weekend by pulling her from a burning car. Saturday at 2:42 a.m. the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 22 at Joseph Street SE.
Lt. Sheila Lorance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, says deputies arriving on the scene found the 2005 Honda Civic was on its side, completely engulfed in flames and heavy damage on all sides.
Salem Fire personnel were on scene extinguishing the flames and were with the driver, 21 year old Destiny Edwards of Mill City, keeping her stable until medics arrived.
Lorance says deputies made contact with 19-year old Nickolas Edwards (no relation to Destiny Edwards) of Salem who said he did not witness the crash but saw the vehicle off the road and on its side.
"When he got closer to the vehicle he could see flames coming from the engine department and see that Destiny was stuck inside. He ran to the car and could hear her screaming for help so he started kicking the windshield until he was able to force a crack in it. Nickolas then used his hands to pry the windshield open enough so he could help pull Destiny out of the car."
He then helped her get away from the car and assisted until paramedics arrived, Lorance said.
"Nickolas received numerous cuts to his hands and it is believed his actions saved Destiny's life."
She says Destiny was transported to the Salem Hospital with several lacerations to her head and face.
"Deputy Nick Hunter made contact with her at the scene and again at the hospital. As he continued the investigation into the crash he determined Destiny had been driving under the influence of intoxicants (alcohol) and she was charged with DUII and issued a citation at the hospital."
Salem Man Pulls Woman from Burning CarSalem-News.com